Lee Zii Jia not quitting BAM

World No 7 Lee Zii Jia is not quitting the BA of Malaysia (BAM) to turn professional.

In a statement yesterday, BAM denied that the reigning All England champion was moving away from the association.

“I have just spoken to Zii Jia. He is completely unaware of the recent rumours of him quitting the BAM.

“His determination and vision remain the same as the leading national men’s singles of the country. He is 100 per cent focused on the 2024 Paris Olympics,” said BAM general-secretary Datuk Kenny Goh yesterday.

According to a media report, Zii Jia has been offered RM4 million by a sponsor to pursue his career as an independent shuttler.

Zii Jia is regarded as among the rising stars in world badminton. In March, he stunned Japan’s Kento Momota and Denmark Viktor Axelsen to win the All England crown.

However, the 23-year-old has been struggling of late due to injuries.

At the recent World Championships in Spain, Zii Jia was touted as one of the favourites but was shown the door in the quarter-finals.

Despite his erratic form, Zii Jia is still the best bet to end Malaysia’s Olympic gold medal wait at the 2024 Paris edition.

BAM hope the shuttler will rise once again next year.

NST